Every May, we celebrate and honor teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week for their commitment to our students.

As this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week comes to an end, in what has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging times in public education, I want to take a moment to thank you and tell you how much I appreciate your hard work, dedication and perseverance on behalf of students.

Teachers are the backbone of this district and community, and it is your dedication to your profession and to our students that makes you so important.

Our district is taking on new challenges every day and a huge part of our success is because of you. You are making a difference, through public education, in every student’s life by equipping them to accomplish whatever they choose to do in life.

Many in our community have had their lives changed for the better by attending Ojai Unified schools. You are truly amazing and continue to influence the world in the most remarkable way possible — by inspiring, motivating, and educating the next generation.

As we approach the end of this complicated school year and prepare ourselves for what will likely be our greatest challenge yet to come when we reopen for the next school year, take heart in the lives you impact, the futures that you build, and the knowledge that there are so many who recognize and support the incredible work you do every day.

I know how hard you work and I thank each and every one of you for everything you do to create a better future.